McGinn to push for gun-free businesses

Updated 7:41 am, Monday, August 19, 2013

A decal that will be available to Seattle businesses who wish to participate in the voluntary ban on guns in their stores.

A decal that will be available to Seattle businesses who wish to participate in the voluntary ban on guns in their stores.

McGinn to push for gun-free businesses

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A new push to turn Seattle businesses into gun-free zones takes a step forward Monday when Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and the group Washington Ceasefire will launch a program for businesses to voluntarily ban guns in stores.

About a dozens of businesses on Capitol Hill say they are already stepping up and taking action by sticking decals in their store windows declaring their business a gun-free zone. Those participating so far include Odd Fellows Lodge, Elliott Bay Books and Cupcake Royale, to name a few.

"Our owners here really wanted it to be a safe environment for everyone by doing a gun-free zone," said June Son, who works at Lost Lake Cafe and Bar.

She says the owners of their business were the ones who came up with the idea.

"A lot of us work late at night and at the end of your shift when you're walking home, it's just a much better feeling overall to know that folks aren't out there with guns," Son said.

Gun violence kills more than 31,000 people each year in the United States and Washington Ceasefire says it is hoping the new program will cut that number. Business owners can sign up to say guns are not allowed and can post signs to let people know their weapon is not welcome inside. The program is entirely voluntary and not all businesses will jump on board.

Just last week, it was a much different scene at Starbucks. While the coffee giant says it doesn't endorse events like open carry day,it also says it complies with all local laws -- which means, in Washington, you can still carry a gun inside.

McGinn says he supports the businesses on Capitol Hill, saying they're standing up for the safety of their customers.

But gun rights activists say the program is discrimination toward people who are exercising their civil rights.

McGinn and Washington Ceasefire are expected to unveil more details at a 10 a.m. event at Odd Fellows.